The Science of Archimedes Exhibit

FEBRUARY 1 – MAY 14, 2022!

PRESENTED BY HARGROVE ENGINEERING

SPONSORED BY MOBILE COUNTY DISTRICT 2, AM/NS CALVERT, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, AND DR. AND MRS. ALLEN OAKS.

The Exploreum Science Center is proud to announce its upcoming international exhibition, The Science of Archimedes. Journey back in time more than 2,000 years to discover the incredible inventions of Archimedes, the father of modern science. Handcrafted by the Artisans of Florence, Archimedes contains more than 60 exhibits and inventions, many of which are hands-on, allowing visitors the opportunity to use them in an epic, interactive environment.  Guests will be encouraged to explore the innovative machines that continue to influence the technologies of today (many of which are powered by sustainable energy sources).

This hands-on exhibition contains four themes that allow visitors to explore the best technology of the ancient world and see the lasting impact of the genius of Archimedes. “Ancient Machines” showcases the best of ancient technology, from Archimedes’ burning mirrors to the secrets of the Herodotus machine that was used by the Ancient Egyptians to build the Pyramids. “Energy Machines” explores inventions designed to convert energy into work. Visitors can discover the secrets of the world’s first steam engine and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and witness the incredible ‘Mechanical-Paradox’ that allows objects to roll upwards.  “The Power of Shapes” explores the use of geometry to create advanced technologies, and “Archimedes’ Legacy” details how some of the greatest scientists throughout history (such as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei) directly drew from Archimedes’ writings to revolutionize science in their own times (more than 1500 years after Archimedes’ death).

Have your own eureka moment at the Science of Archimedes exhibition!

Archimedes’ time, known as the Hellenistic era, started with the period of peace which began following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. While amassing a huge empire, Greek civilisation achieved substantial scientific advancement. The merger of Egyptian and Mesopotamian technical knowledge (construction and arithmetic skills) with sophisticated Greek geometry gave the Greeks the military edge over their enemies.

During this period, Greek mathematicians led by Archimedes of Syracuse, revolutionised the world, inventing new machines for engineering and for war. They built lighthouses, harnessed the Sun’s energy using mirrors and discovered ways to balance large objects in water (buoyancy) in order to build huge ships. Using geometry, they were able to measure the Earth’s distance from the Sun, the size of our planet and even track its moment around the Sun.

For info on booking a field trip for any of the exhibits listed above, please click here.